
t)ELlVERED IN BRUNSWICK, 

SEPTEMBER 9th, 1802, 

BY THE REV. JOSEPH M'KEEN, A.M. & A.A.S. 

AT HIS ENTRANCE ON 
THE DUflES OF PRESIDENT OF BOWDOIN COLLEGE: 



AN EULOGY, 



PRONOUNCED AT HIS FUNERAL, 



BY THE REVEREND WILLIAM JENKS. 



PORTLAND: 

PRINTED BY THOMAS E. WAIT & CO. 

i8or. 



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INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 



The candor I have experienced from 
the reverend and honorable gentlemen who 
c y- ^se the boards of trustees and overseers 
ot Bowdoin College, will not, I trust, be with- 
holden on this occasion. It is this confidence 
alone, which enables me to rise and address 
you, at a moment when the weight of the 
charge I have consented to undertake, bears 
with peculiar force upon my mind. 

The organization of a literary institution in 
the district of Maine, which is rapidly increas- 
ing in population, is an interesting event, and 
will form an important epoch in its history. 
The disadvantages with which the district has 
contended from the days of its early settlement, 
have been numerous and discouraging. The 
scattered inhabitants were long in a weak and 
defenceless state : for more than a century the 



sword of the wilderness was a terror to them ; 
and they were frequently constrained to lay 
aside the peaceful instruments of the husband- 
man, and to seize the weapons of defence. 
Planted in detached settlements along an ex- 
tensive coast, and depending on precarious 
supplies of subsistence from abroad, it was 
long before they could enjoy the means of 
education with which some other parts of 
New England were early favored. Add to 
this, that deep and strong prejudices prevailed 
against the soil and climate, by which immigra- 
tions were discouraged, and the population of 
the district long retarded. These mistakes 
have yielded to the correcting hand of time ; 
and Maine is rapidly advancing to that state of 
maturity, in which, without being forcibly 
plucked, she will drop from her parent stock. 
While the wilderness is literally blossoming 
like the rose, and the late howling desert by 
the patient hand of industry is becoming a 
fruitful field, it is pleasing to the friends of 
science, religion, and good order, to observe 
a growing disposition in the inhabitants to 
promote edut^tion ; without which, the prospect 
of the future' State of society must be painful 
to the reflecting^and feeling mind. ; * 



In this assembly it cannot be necessary to 
expatiate on its importance to mankind ; whe- 
ther we consider them as inhabitants of this 
world, or as destined for an immortal exist- 
ence in a state of retribution beyond the grave. 
The page of inspiration teaches, that for the 
soul to be without knowledge, it is not good ; 
without the knowledge of the duties of his 
station in life, no man can act his part with 
honor to himself, or advantage to the commu- 
nity. Without knowledge, a man must be a 
stranger to rational enjoyment ; time will often 
be a heavy burden to him ; and to rid himself 
of such an incumbrance, he will be strongly 
tempted to abandon himself to sensual gratifi- 
cations, which will incapacitate him for manly 
and worthy pursuits, and render him an object 
of pity to some, and of contempt to others. 

A man, who intends to practise any mecha- 
nic art, must make himself acquainted with it, 
or he cannot expect to succeed. Instruction 
is surely not less necessary to one who con- 
templates the profession of law, physic, or 
divinity; without it, he can have the confi- 
dence of none but the ignorant, and he cannot 
depend even on that. As they have no fixed 
principles, by which to form their judgment. 



they easily fall a prey to the delusive arts 
of any new pretender to superior knowledge, 
especially in medicine and theology. When 
the title to a man's estate is disputed, he gene- 
rally endeavours to employ an able advocate; 
when the health of his body only is concerned, 
he can trust the prescriptions of an empiric: 
but, if undisturbed in the possession of his 
estate, and enjoying sound health, he is too 
often contented with such instructions on the 
subject of his eternal interests as he can obtain 
from the most illiterate vagrants, who under- 
stand neither what they say, nor whereof they 
affirm. 

I would not be understood to assert, nor 
even intimate, that human learning is alone 
sufficient to make a man a good teacher of 
religion. I believe that he must have so felt 
the power of divine truth upon his heart, as to 
be brought under its governing influence. But 
since the days of inspiration were over, an 
acquaintance with the force of language, with 
the rules of legitimate reasoning, and especially 
with the sacred scriptures, which can be ac- 
quired only by reading, study, and meditation, 
is necessary to qualify one for the office of a 
teacher in the church. 



That the inhabitants of this district may 
have of their own sons to fill the liberal profes- 
sions among them, and particularly to instruct 
them in the principles and practice of our holy 
religion, is doubtless the object of this institu- 
tion ; and an object it is, worthy the liberal 
patronage of the enlightened and patriotic legis- 
lature, which laid its foundation, and of the 
aid its funds have received from several gen- 
tlemen, especially that friend of science whose 
name it bears. That their generous intentions 
may not be frustrated, it becomes all to take 
heed, who are, or may be, concerned in its 
government or instruction. 

It ought always to be remembered, that Ute- 
vary institutions are founded and endowed for 
the common good, and not for the private 
advantage of those who resort to them for 
education. It is not that they may be enabled 
to pass through life in an easy or reputable 
manner, but that their mental powers may be 
cultivated and improved for the benefit of 
society. If it be true, that no man should live 
10 himself, we may safely assert, that every 
man who has been aided by a public institu- 
tion to acquire an education, and to qualify 



8 

himself for usefulness, is under peculiar obli- 
gations to exert his talents for the public good. 

The governors and instructors of a literary- 
institution owe to God and society the sacred 
duty of guarding the morals of the youth com- 
mitted to their care. A young man of talents, 
who gains an acquaintance with literature and 
science, but at the same time imbibes irre- 
ligious and immoral principles, and contracts 
vicious habits at college, is likely to become a 
dangerous member of society. It had been 
better for him, and for the community, that he 
had lived in ignorance ; in which case, he would 
have had less guilt, and possessed fewer mis- 
chievous accomplishments. He is more danger- 
ous than a madman, armed with instruments of 
death, and let loose among the defenceless in- 
habitants of a village. In one case the danger 
is seen, and an alarm is instantly given to all 
to be on their guard; in the other it is con- 
cealed, and the destroyer is embraced and 
cherished by those who are soon to be his 
victims. 

Let it never be imagined then, that the sole 
object of education is to make youth acquainted 
with languages, sciences, and arts. It is of 



incalculable importance, that, as education in- 
creases their mental energies, these energies 
should be righdy directed. It is confessed, 
that to give them this direction exceeds the 
greatest human skill. A Paul might plant, 
and an Apollos water ; to command increase is 
the prerogative of Deity. But as the husband- 
man is not discouraged from cultivating and 
sowing his land, by the consideration, that 
without the genial warmth of the sun and the 
rain of heaven, his labor will be all in vain, 
neither should we despair of success in form- 
ing the minds of youth to virtue and useful- 
ness in life, because we cannot command it. 

Though the principal labor and responsi- 
bility will fall to the share of the immediate 
instructors, these honorable boards will give 
me leave to remind them, that, without their 
prompt and steady support, the instructors will 
be able to accomplish much less than is pro- 
bably expected of them. 

The volatility of a youthful mind frequently 
gives rise to eccentricities, and an impatience 
of the most wholesome restraint; the mildest 
government is thought oppressive, and the 
indulgent parent's ear is easily opened to the 



10 

voice of complaint; imaginary fears are ex- 
cited, that the genius of a darUng son will be 
cramped, his spirits broken, the fire of his 
ambition quenched, and that he will be doomed 
to drudge through life in a sphere far below 
that for which nature had destined him. His 
youthful genius must be permitted to expand 
by its native and uncontrolled energies ; and 
no doubt is entertained, that, in manhood, his 
virtues will hang in clusters upon him. I 
confess, that I am not so much of a modern 
philosopher, as to subscribe implicitly to this 
doctrine. In the natural world we find, that 
without culture, weeds , outgrow more useful 
plants, and choke them ; and reasoning from 
analogy will lead us to suppose, that without 
restraint or discipline, the mind of a youth 
will resemble the field of the slothful, and the 
vineyard of the man void of understanding. 

It is admitted, that, as excessive pruning 
may injure a tree, so may discipline, too severe, 
an ingenuous youth. It is proper to cohsult his 
genius, and assist its expansion, rather than to 
force it into an unnatural direction. But an 
attention to order, and the early formation of 
habits of industry and investigation, are con- 
ceived to be objects of vast importance in the 



11 

education of youth. I may venture to assert, 
that such habits are of more importance than 
mere knowledge. It is doubtless a desirable 
thing to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge ; 
but, in aiming at this, there is a serious danger 
to be avoided, that of inducing an impatience 
of application, and an aversion to every thing 
that requires labor. Could we fill the mind 
of a youth with science by as easy a process as 
a modern chymist fills a vial with factitious air, 
it may be doubted whether his education would 
be of much use to him. In this connexion, it 
may not be improper to suggest an advantage 
arising from the study of what are called the 
learned languages ; it inures a youthful mind to 
application, and is, in this respect, useful ; even 
if no advantage arose from the knowledge of 
them. The mind acquires strength and vigor 
from exercise, as well as the body. We should 
think a parent guilty of a gross error in the 
education of his son, if he never allowed him 
to vise his limbs, and appointed a servant to 
carry him in his arms, or convey him in a 
carriage. We should be guilty of a similar 
error in education, if we aimed at making a 
youth learned without study. It is important^ 
that he should have full employment for the 



12 

exercise of his mental powers, rather than be 
carried in the arms of his tutor to the temple 
of science. Perhaps I have said more than 
was necessary, on the utility of acquiring habits 
of industry and application, while youth are in 
the course of their education. If tlie importance 
of the subject will not justify me, I have no 
apology to offer ; and must transgress a little 
longer upon your patience, while I declare, 
that, in my opinion, a youth had better be four 
years employed " nihil operose agendo^'''' in dili- 
gently doing what would be utterly useless to 
him in life, than in light reading, which requires 
no thinking. 

If habits of application be of so much im- 
portance, it is desirable, that all concerned in 
the government and instruction of the college 
should concur in enforcing subordination, re- 
gular conduct, and a diligent improvement of 
time. 

Give me leave then, gentlemen, to invite 
your z;ealous co-operation with the immediate 
instructors in ordaining, and executing, such 
laws and regulations as will be likely to keep 
our students, during their residence in college, 
as fully 'employed as will be consistent with 
their health. Employment will contribute not 



13 

a little to the preservation of their morals, the 
prevention of unnecessary expense, and the 
preclusion of pernicious customs, which, once 
introduced, cannot be easily abolished. The 
importance of uniting our efforts to effect these 
salutary purposes cannot escape the notice of 
a reflecting mind. Should we be so happy as 
to succeed in forming a number for usefulness 
in church and state, we may expect our num- 
bers to increase, when more ample accommo- 
dations and means of instruction will be neces- 
sary. 

And now let me entreat* all good men here 
present, who wish to see their fellow citizens 
enlightened, virtuous, free, and happy, to exert 
the portion of influence which they possess, in 
favor of this infant institution ; and to unite 
in fervent supplications to the great Father of 
light, knowledge, and all good, that his bless- 
ing may descend upon this seminary ; that it 
may eminently contribute to the advancement 
of useful knowledge, the religion of Jesus 
Christ, the best interests of man, and the glory 
of God. 



AN 

EULOGY 

PRONOUNCED IN BRUNSWICK, (MAINE) 
JULY 18th, 1807, 

AT THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE 

REV. JOSEPH M'KEEN, D. D. A. A. S. 

AND PRESIDENT OF BOWDOIN COLLEGE. 



BY WILLIAM JENKS, A. M. 

ONE OF THE MINISTERS OF BATH, 



'* Finis vitse ejus nobis luctuosus, amicis tristis, extraneis etiam 
ig^otisque non sine cura fuit." 

Tacitus, de vit. Acb. 



PORTLAND: 

SRINTED BY THOMAS B, WAIT & CO, 
1807. 



AN EULOGY. 



Though we well know, that no dis- 
tinction of reputation or merit can claim for its 
possessor an exemption from the last, common 
lot of humanity, yet we cannot withhold the 
expression of regret and grief whenever the 
good, the learned and the great are summoned 
from the world. At such periods we forget, 
for a time, our accustomed pursuits, and with 
deepfelt sympathy mingle our sorrows. We 
value our pleasures less, and regard the va- 
rious objects of former cares with diminished 
ardour. Every thing wears to us, while under 
these impressions, a gloomy aspect ; and in the 
mortality of him, whom we lament, we read 
with presaging melancholy the prophecy of 
our own departure. 



18 

Such too are our feelings on the death of a 
friend. But the intimacy of acquaintaince 
softens the impression of great talents and dis- 
tinguished worth. Hence more tender emo- 
tions occupy the mind ; and while others mourn 
a philosopher, a statesman, or divine, those, 
who were placed nearer to him in life, and 
enjoyed his society and friendship, will lament 
the MAN. 

In our regrets for the person, whose death 
now causes a general sorrow, and to whose 
honoured memory we are paying a sad, final 
tribute, the sensations both of affectionate 
esteem and love, and of heartfelt veneration 
and respect, are intimately blended. Our feel- 
ings comprise the sad products of public, 
private and domestic grief. We mourn the 
loss of a man remarkably qualified for pre- 
siding with becoming dignity in a literary insti- 
tution like that in this place ; we mourn the 
sound divine, the studious scholar, the prudent, 
upright citizen ; we mourn the sagacious, in- 
telligent and affectionate friend; and let me add, 
with deep and respectful sympathy, we share 
in the sorrows of the bereaved family, deprived 
at one stroke of the husband long beloved, and 
the father most tenderly endeared. 



19 

1 am sensible that, since the merit and well 
earned reputation of the deceased might be 
best illustrated by some one, who had pro- 
gressed with him in the journey of life, my 
own appearance in this place may require an 
apology. But the avocations of literary and 
collegiate cares, rendered peculiarly pressing 
by the late President's long confinement, and 
the tender interest, which, as an intimate friend, 
he could not but feel in the sorrows of an 
afflicted family, have effectually precluded from 
this office the gentleman, whom I conceive best 
qualified to sustain it, who, from having been 
united with the deceased in official duties,* 
could have given this audience a better esti- 
mate of his important services. If, however, 
a genuine regard to the interests of science, 
and a sincere and affectionate respect for the 
late President of this College, can authorize 
my own compliance with the wish of those, 
who placed me here, I may then presume on 
your favourable attention, and with warm, yet 
trembling emotions, will endeavour to trace 
the features and footsteps of departed worth. 



* John Abbot, A. M. pi'ofessor of languages in Bowdoin College, 
was inaugurated into that office on the day of President M<Keen's inau- 
gm-ation, and Iiad befoi-e tliis been in habits of acquaintance with him 



20 

President M'Keen was bom at London-' 
derry, in the state of New Hampshire, on the 
15th of October, 1757 ; and had therefore 
scarcely reached the period of half a century 
when he was removed, by a long and distress- 
ing malady, from a life of laborious usefulness, 
and from the enjoyment of undiminished pub- 
lic confidence and an increasing reputation, to 
that state, in which knowledge is procured at 
its fountain, and in which alone the animating 
hopes of the Christian can receive their full 
accomplishment. 

His immediate ancestors were from the north 
of Ireland, whence the family migrated at the 
period of settling his native town, about the 
year 1718. They were however of Scotch 
descent,* and his father, who was brought to 
this country but a child, enjoyed the common 
privilege of its first settlers, health and longe- 
vity.! He died in his 80th year, in 1793. 



* See an account of this settleiaent in Dr. Belknap's History ofNew 
Hampshire, vol. II. p. 35, &c. James M'Keen, Esq. there mentioned 
as the &'St justice of the peace among^ these immigrants, was the parent 
of twenty one cliildren, and grandfather of the President. The najne of 
his father was John. 

f In vol. III. Hist. N. Hamp. p. 251, it is said, " In Londonderry the 
" first planters lived on an average to 80 years ; some to 90, and others 
"to 100." 



21 

The President inherited an admirable con- 
stitution of body. From his early years he 
was strong and athletic, able to support fatigue 
and endure hardship ; and at the juvenile age 
excelled in all those manly exercises, to which 
the active and hardy yeomanry of our country 
are then accustomed. But his mind was not 
suffered to remain uncultivated ; for at the ten- 
der age of thirteen, after having completed the 
preparatory course of study with the Reverend 
Mr. Williams, of Windham, in his native 
state, he was entered a member of Dartmouth 
College. 

A collegiate life admits but little diversity in 
its incidents ; it is not therefore necessary to 
pause at them, except only to remark, that Mr. 
M'Keen evinced a taste and capacity for the 
abstruser and more solid branches of science, 
and, after exhibiting a decided predilection for 
mathematical pursuits, received the first hon- 
ours of the College in 1774, with the character 
of a good classical scholar. Immediately after 
this he returned to his native town, and there, 
among the friends and companions of his 
youth, commenced his duties as an instructor, 
refreshing his own mind with the principles of 
science while he was imparting them to others, 



22 

and increasing his acquaintance with literature 
at large in the intervals of duty. As an evi- 
dence of the esteem of his townsmen, let it be 
remarked, that for eight successive years this 
employment was continued. Feeling then the 
same attachment to mathematicks and astrono- 
my, which he had cultivated while at College, 
he left Londonderry, in the summer of 1780, 
for a temporary residence at Cambridge, where 
he pursued a course of studies in natural and 
experimental philosophy, mathematicks and 
astronomy, under Professor Williams, who, 
the year before, had succeeded the learned 
and venerable Wintht^op in the chair of that 
highly useful and most interesting depart- 
ment. 

It appears that, after this period, Mr. 
M'Keen directed his attention principally to 
theological pursuits, and resumed, for that 
purpose, his connection with his former tutor, 
the Reverend Mr. Williams, of Windham, 
under whom he laid the foundation of that 
accurate and discriminating knowledge of sa- 
cred subjects, which so eminently qualified 
him to be an instructor from the pulpit in 
things of eternal importance. It should not, 
however, be forgotton, that for a considerable 



23 

time he was an assistant in the respectable 
Academy at Andover, to Dr. Pearson, late 
Professor of the Hebrew and oriental lan- 
guages in the University of Cambridge ; and 
that his usual reputation for diligence in the 
discharge of duty, and skill in respect to the 
mode, accompanied him in that employment. 
While a candidate for settlement as a mi- 
nister of the gospel, his labours were very 
acceptable. At one period they were exerted 
among the congregation collected in Boston 
by the Reverend Mr. Moor head. This was 
composed principally of " Presbyterian Stran- 
" gers." It is no wonder, therefore, that Mr. 
M'Keen, whose early life had been passed 
in their discipline, whose connections were of 
similar sentiments and origin, and who had 
himself been examined and approved by the 
Presbytery, of which his tutor was a member, 
should sympathise with their feelings in such 
a manner, as to create a warm interest in his 
favour. But, whether from want of funds, 
or whatever other cause, their partiality was 
never matured into an invitation to settle 
among them. It is worthy of remark, how- 
ever, that their choice at length fell on one, 
whom their admired preacher, greatly to his 



24 

honour, much resembled in the distinguishing 
features of his mind, and general character of 
his manners ; I mean the late excellent Dr. 
Belknap, whose productions are an ornament 
to the literature of our country, and whose 
name will ever be connected with the memory 
of our worthies. 

The church in Beverly, having been de- 
prived of their pastor, the late Reverend Dr. 
WiLLARD, by his elevation to the Presidency of 
the University at Cambridge, in the year 1781, 
had remained for some time destitute. In 
178 5 they invited Mr. M'Keen, then in his 
28th year, to assume among them the minis- 
terial office. In May of that year, having re- 
linquished his connexion with the Presbytery, 
he was ordained, and, like his beloved and 
respected predecessor, enjoyed the full con- 
fidence of his people, growing in their esteem 
and affection, and becoming more and more 
endeared by the innumerable kind and friendly 
attentions, which his natural goodness of heart 
prompted him to render, and to which his 
sacred station afforded continual opportunities. 

In the year succeeding his settlement in the 
ministry, Mr. M'Keen became a husband. 
To characterise him in this relation, as the 



tender and faithful companion, the prudent head 
of a family, the firm guardian of dome stick 
peace and honour, would be common praise. 
But common as it is, it is praise of the first 
importance, and the tears and sorrows of a 
widowed consort too forcibly proclaim how 
richly he deserved it. Sacred be those sor- 
rows ! Unimpeded, as they are unbidden, be 

those tears 'till the kind Parent of all, in 

his rich mercy, and by his effectual consola- 
tions, shall graciously wipe them away ! 

It was a peculiar happiness, that the lady, 
with whom he formed this connexion, was 
descended from ancestors of the same pious 
company, as his own, and had been educated 
in similar habits, having been brought up 
among the most familiar scenes of his youth. 

Mr. M'Keen continued for seventeen years 
pastor of the church at Beverly, during which 
time his reputation as a sound divine and solid 
scholar is well known. In 1800 he was ap- 
pointed to preach the election sermon ; and at 
its delivery, if the pleasing recollection may in 
this place be indulged me for a moment, I 
became for the first time personally acquainted 
with the perspicuity of style, the strength and 
appropriateness of reasoning, and the plain 



m 

and impressive manner, which ever distin- 
guished his pubHc performances. There I 
first learned to imbibe respect for that acute- 
ness of discernment, and fehcity of illustration, 
which, at a subsequent period, when enjoying 
the privilege of his friendship, I found no less 
conspicuous in the private man, than in the 
religious instructor.* 

* The author of this eulogy is unwilling- to deny himself the pleasure 
of inserting here an extract from a well drawn cliaracter of the reverend 
President, which appeared in the Eastern Repository of July 21st, and 
for which the public is indebted to the pen of Alden Bradtord, Esq. 
" Few," says he, " are so well qualified for an instructor and governor 
" of youth. For, with great attainments in science, lie united a mild, 
" though fom and decided spirit, those conciliating yet dignified manners 
" which inspired respect, and secured him the esteem of all who knew 
*' him. As a Christian minister he was prudent, zealous and faithful. 
** While pastor of the large and respectable society in Beverly, he enjoyed 
*' the affection of his people, and was highly esteemed by the reverend 
" gentlemen of the clergy in that part of the country. In theological 
*' knowledge and biblical criticism he was a great proficient. His ser- 
" mons discovered solidity of judgment and strength of intellect, which 
'' were equalled by few divines. That pronounced by him on the 
" anniversary of election is not inferior to any delivered on a similar 
" occasion within our recollection. 

" In private and social circles Dr. M'Keen was pleasant, affectionate 
*' and exemplary ; not too reserved for familial* conversation ; nor did his 
" usual gravity of deportment partake in the least degree of ungracious 
" austerity. None had the privilege of liis acquaintance, who did not 
" imbibe sentiments of affection as of respect for his amiable virtues. In 
" him were eminently exemplified the estimable qualities requisite to 
*' constitute the Christian character. His piety was without ostentation ; 
" his love of evangelical truth untinctured by bigotry or superstition. 
" Such was President M'Keen. We moura the loss of a scholar, 
" a gentleman, a Christian." 



II 



27 

About this time he was elected a member of 
the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 
among whose pubUcations will be found dis- 
cussions and deductions of a mathematical 
nature, to which his name is affixed.* He 
was also a member of the society for propa- 
gating the gospel. 

But a wider sphere of public usefulness 
awaited him. When it became expedient to 
carry into operation this important seminary 
of literature, which now deeply mourns his 
loss, the trustees and overseers, directed by 
public sentiment and private knowledge to the 
consideration of his eminent qualifications for 
the station, made choice of him as President 
of Bowdoin College,! and invited him to the 



* See Transactions of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 
vol. n. part 2. pag-es 62 and 66. Dr. M'Keen's other publications were, 
beside his election sermon, a sermon at the ordination of Rev. Rrrus An- 
derson, at North Yarmouth, one at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Moore, 
at Newbury, Old Town, and three sermons on occasions of public fast- 
ing and prayer. 

f The Chailer of Incorporation of this College is dated June 24th, 
1794 ; but the unproductive nature of its endowments, they being chiefly 
lands in the unsettled parts of the District, together with the necessary 
preparation of buildings, &c. deferred the operation of the institution 
eight years fi-om its foundation. At length, in September 1802, students 
were admitted, there being tlien a president and professor of languages. 
The number of the first cl.tss was eight, one of whom died in the begin- 
ning of his second year. The other seven were graduated in their course. 



28 

duties of the office on the 9th of July, 1801. 
His answer, which graces their Records, will 
remain a valuable monument of his charac- 
teristic modesty, cool judgment, and prompt 

At the admission of the third class, in 1804, anotlier executive officer was 
found necessary, and Samuel Willard, A. B. from the imiversity at 
Cambridge, was chosen tutor. He entered on his office in Octobex-, 1804, 
and quitted it the year after. In 1805 it became necessary to add another 
instructor to til e numbar ; and as the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. had 
bestowed 1000 acres of land toward founding- a professorship of Mathe- 
maticks and Natural Philosophy, it was thought expedient, although this 
bequest was not yet productive, to establish the professorship from the 
general funds, wliich indeed support all the present offices of instruction. 
According-ly Parker Cleaveland, A. M. being elected to the office, 
was invited from the University at Cambridg-e, where he was tutor in 
that branch, and installed in the new professorship, October 23d, 1805. 
At the same time the vacancy, occasioned by Mr. Willard's resigna- 
tion, was supplied by the choice of Nathan Parker, A. B. from Cam- 
bridge. Such was the state of the College at the late President's death ; 
at which time 44 young gentlemen had been admitted as students. 

The library of the College, which has received several additions from 
private benefactions, beside those of the family, whose name the institu- 
tion bears, contains between fourteen and fifteen hundred volumes. Of 
these a number, to the value of 100/. sterling, are selected, and were the 
donation of Madam Bowdoin, relict of the late governor. The philo- 
sophical apparatus is perhaps exceeded by none in New England, except 
that at Cambridge. It is new, and sufficient for a complete course of 
experimental lectures. A chymical apparatus has also been lately pre- 
sented, and that useful science is now a part of the collegiate course of 
study. 

The buildings consist of the president's house, and a chapel, which 
contains in its second story the library and philosophical apparatus, be- 
side the brick building for the students, in dimension fifty feet by for<cy. 
This has three stories and a belfry, and bears the name of Massachu- 
setts Hall. Another building of brick for the further accommodation 
of the students, 100 feet long and 40 wide, is in great forwardness. It 
will have fom- stories, and will render a residence at this College as 
commodious as at any in oiu* couptry. 



29 

decision. Having signified his acceptance ot 
the appointment, in July of the following year 
he prepared, with his accustomed wisdom, for 
the best establishment of the institution, by 
visiting personally, in conjunction with the 
Professor of languages elect, the University at 
Cambridge, and the Colleges at Providence, 
New Plaven, and Williamstown. It was the 
important object of this journey to ascertain, 
from actual inspection, the modes of govern- 
ment and instruction, and qualifications for 
admission usual in the New England Colleges ; 
and one of the valuable effects, which followed, 
was, the requirement of such qualifications 
for entrance to this institution, as immediately 
ranked the infant College, in this respect,* 
second in the Eastern States. On the 2d of 
September following this journey, the instal- 
lation of the President and Senior Professor 
took place, with what emotions of satisfaction 
and joy many of the present audience well 

* It may not be amiss to obsen^e, that the laws requu*e.for admission;, 
an ability in the candidate to sustain a strict examination in the px'inci- 
ples of the Latin and Greek lang-uages, the select orations of Cicero, 
the jCneid of Virgil, Arithmetic as far as the rule of three, and also to 
translate Eng-lish into Latin ; being the same qualifications as were 
required at Cambridge before the regulations of 1805. 



30 

remember, and my reverend father,* to whose 
sacred monitions we have been hstening, and 
who bore so large a part in that day's grateful 
solemnities, can best declare. Sad indeed is 
this reverse ! There lie the remains of the 
man, whom you then delighted to honour, and 
from whose eminent services, services already 
prejudged from his past character, you doubt- 
less anticipated a long train of public benefits. 
Alas, that so short a career should follow a 
beginning so auspicious ! 

The ability and faithfulness, with which he 
discharged the arduous duties of his highly 
responsible station, in the government and in- 
struction of the students, you, gentlemen, who 
were associated with him in those labours, can 
easily appreciate, and those, who enjoyed the 
happiness of experiencing his truly parental 
kindness, and of imbibing from him the lessons 
of Divine and human knowledge, will never 
forget. But such an estimation of his labours 
was not confined to this society; for in 1804 
his " Alma Mater," the College at Hanover, 

* Rev. Samuel Deane, D. D. A. A. S. who delivered a discourse on 
this occasion from Job iii. 19. and w^ho, as Vice President of the CoUege> 
presided at the inauguration of Mr. M'Keen. • 



31 

conferred on him the title of Doctor in Divi- 
nity, an assignment as honorary to those who 
made, as to him who received it. 

In the midst of these honours and labours, 
the President, who had always enjoyed re- 
markable health, uninterrupted even by occa- 
sional illness, began to feel, about September 
1805, the access of that disease, which at 
length proved fatal.* Whether it were, that 
his mode of life was too sedentary and re- 
quired too constant attention, or that the exer- 
cise, which he now used, did not equal that, 
to which he had been accustomed in the dis- 
charge of his parochial duties,! or whatever 
else were the cause, medical men best know. 
The symptoms however appeared to decrease 
with the approach of summer ; and in the 
autumn of 1806 he attempted a journey to 
Beverly, where his former complaint recurred 
with alarming appearances. Still he was 
encouraged to hope a removal of it, but it 

* The first attack appeared to be an inflammation of the liver. 

■j- The president has been heai'd to say, that often in visiting' the sick, 
when, if it were good weather, he seldom rode, he has continued his 
walk for six or eig-ht miles. As he feared a tendency to grow corpulent, 
he was exact in his habits, and generally caused himself to be weighed 
yearly, preserving for a series of years the same weight with hut trifling' 
variation. 



32 

continued obstinate. Every attention, which 
friendship and professional skill could bestow, 
was afforded, and his situation, though remote 
from his family, made as comfortable, as un- 
der such circumstances, it could possibly be. 
He was in the bosom of a society long at- 
tached to him, and earnest to express their 
affection. But why should I enlarge on these 
circumstances, of which an anxious public 
have been minutely informed ? Yes, we have 
watched the progress of his disorder, trem- 
bling, and have listened with fond credulity 
to every favourable report, in the hope, which 
himself had in a degree indulged, that an 
excellent constitution might be assisted by 
change of weather to shake off the disease. 
Vain have been our hopes, unavailing our 
wishes ! Could the prayers of his personal 
friends, of the friends of religion and science, 
of the friends of our rising country and of 
this literary institution have prevailed, long^ 
would he have continued to be the light of 
our Eastern Churches, the ornament of our 
society, the head of our literature, and the 
fostering father of our noble-minded youth. 

The President returned to his family much 
enfeebled. The original disorder had assumed 



33 

another form, and now threatened a dropsy. 
He was accompanied in the journey homeward 
by a medical gentleman,* whose assiduous 
attentions to him since, the effects not only 
of professional industry and concern, but of 
high respectful friendship, secured to him 
every assistance of the healing art, and left 
us the melancholy consolation of reflecting, 
that the powers of medicine were inadequate 
to his relief. Alas, that they were fruitless ! 
I have now, as far as the information I have 
obtained permitted me, followed our late be- 
loved friend, and revered and honoured Pre- 
sident, through the several stages of a life 
filled with duties. If it were barren of strik- 
ing incidents, let it be imputed, under the 
Divine Providence, to a temper not easily 
moved, a calm, dispassionate mind, a regular, 
persevering diligence, and habits of moral 
excellence early acquired and stedfastly main- 
tained. Educated in industry and sobriety 
as well as religion, of which his father, who 
bore the title of deacon in the church, was an 
amiable example, he had from his youth a 

* Dr. Lincoln of Topsham. While at Beverly he wa,s under the 
medical care of Dr. Fisher. 



34 

respect for the genuine simplicity and unas- 
suming worth, that distinguished other times. 
A puritan in heart, he was however the gentle- 
man in manners. His knowledge of the world, 
and the peculiar sweetness of his disposition 
rendered him accommodating to all. Though 
naturally reserved perhaps, he was yet com- 
municative in confidential intercourse, and in 
the exercise of his office. A stranger to 
deceit, his language was ever the expression 
of his feelings, sincere though guarded, warm 
and animated, but never extravagant. 

If I have been able to estimate justly the 
character of the late Reverend Dr. M'Keen, 
and surely it is expected of me here that I 
speak the undisguised sentiments of my heart, 
since flattery, as it could be no benefit to the 
dead, and but an injury to the living, would 
at the same time be equally abhorrent from 
my duty and habits, I may say, that his pe- 
culiar excellency seemed to be a sound, dis- 
criminating judgment. This indeed is by 
many considered as but the perfection of all 
the faculties. Notwithstanding however the 
justness of the remark, it is yet true, that men 
of equal merit may yet excel in very distinct 
departments. Some have excited astonish- 



35 

ment by the brilliancy of their talents ; others 
have won esteem by the lasting nature of their 
powers and acquirements. Of the latter de- 
scription was, if I mistake not, the man, whose 
loss we deplore ; a loss the more deplorable, 
because it is rarely the case, that all those 
talents, which he possessed, and which admira- 
bly fitted him for presiding with dignity and 
usefulness over an institution like this, are 
found united in the same person. 

You, Gentlemen, who were his associates in 
the government and instruction of the College, 
have reason to mourn the removal of one, 
whom to know intimately was but to admire 
and love. You were witnesses to his indefati- 
gable zeal for the interests of science, morality 
and religion ; to his fatherly tenderness toward 
your pupils ; to his patience and firmness in 
the arduous employments of the presidency; 
and, since the duties of a classical instructor 
were combined with those cares,* to his 

* We hope it may not be long before some liberal friend of science, 
among the opulent Individuals of the Disti-ict or elsewhere, will enlarge 
the plan of instruction, either by the foundation of a new professorship, 
or the support of an assistant tutor, that so the time of the principal of 
the institution may not be necessarily devoted to hearing the ordinary 
recitations of a class. Certainly no appropriations of wealth can be of 
greater service to our country, than those, which have for their object 
t.lie interests of literatm-e and religion. 



56 

ability in tempering his instructions to the 
capacity and need of the individuals who 
received them. But your deepfelt grief is 
more expressive than any other testimony of 
esteem and veneration. 

To the members of the several classes of 
students gladly would I offer consolation. 
But the loss of such a friend and father is 
almost irreparable. You will ever reflect with 
the strongest emotion on his kindness, conde- 
scension, affability and love. You will lament 
him, as a second parent. But I conjure you, 
by the affection with which you cherish his 
memory, and by your wish to enjoy through 
life, and especially at its close, the secret 
satisfactions, which he experienced, let his 

instructions be faithfully regarded let them 

not be merely treasured in your memory, but 
exhibit them in your conduct. One class 
alone the President had the pleasure of usher- 
ing into the manly duties of life. But you 
will all remember with me the impressive 
exclamation, which he uttered to them in his 
parting address ; " God forbid that you should 
" ever be ashamed to be governed by the 
" principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ." 
These were the ruling principles of his own 



37 

life, and these alone, he well knew, could 
ensure the usefulness and happiness of your's. 
Yes, respected youth, your late loved Presi- 
dent was a man of piety, a Christian, as well 
^s a scholar. He was himself a humble pupil 
of the Redeemer, and his life will rank among 
the most consistent, simple and impressive 
examples of its efficacy. Be ye followers then 
of him, even as he followed Christ. 

The intimate connexion of the President in 
his official character with the boards of Trus- 
tees and Overseers of the College, will cause 
their members deeply to regret the loss we 
now sustain. May God, who in his wise and 
holy providence has deprived us of the man, 
who seemed to unite all hearts, point out one, 
qualified by his peculiar excellencies, to oc- 
cupy his station, and bless him with equal 
success. 

But while a successor in these public duties 
is an attainment within our power, what con- 
solatory hope shall we offer to the bereaved 
family of the deceased ? We can but offer our 
sympathy. We can but commend you to God. 
We can but implore for you the Divine conso- 
lations, and express our hearty wish that you 
may experience them sensibly. He, who now 



38 

wounds, is able to heal. The hope and ex- 
pectation of a future state of bliss, and the 
assurance of a resurrection to eternal life, 
which we have the firmest grounds to entertain 
for all who sleep in Jesus ; these are your best 
treasure. Let me add, you have long had 
before you one of the most interesting and 
best examples of the Christian graces. May 
It teach you resignation, patience, piety and 
virtue. Then will the separation, which is 
now so painful, be but transitory, and you 
will hereafter meet to separate no more ! 



THE END. 



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